The wretch! For some reason, it hurt to think that Greyley had confided his disappointment to Lady Putney. “I’m sorry to hear that Lord Greyley finds my work so unsatisfactory.”

“So am I,” said a deep voice from the doorway.

Anna whirled to find Greyley’s hard brown gaze fixed on Lady Putney. From the grim set of his mouth, he was far from pleased. Anna’s heart lightened somewhat.

Meanwhile, Lady Putney turned a bright pink. “Greyley, there you are. I was just telling Miss Thraxton—”

“I heard what you were saying,” the earl said, strolling into the nursery, his broad shoulders barely clearing the door. “I would appreciate it if you would stop speaking for me when you have no right. We have never discussed Miss Thraxton in such a manner and you know it.”

Lady Putney’s smile froze on her face. “Surely you would agree that her methods are unconventional and—”

“Miss Thraxton is the governess. You are not.”

Lady Putney’s eyes grew hard. “Do not speak to me like that. The children are always my concern.”

“No, they’re mine,” the earl said in a suddenly silky tone. “And if you cannot reconcile yourself to that fact, then allow me to order your carriage.”

Desford stood, his hands clenched into fists. “Grandmama cannot leave.”

The earl flickered a glance his way. “She may stay as long as she respects the rules of the house.”

The boy’s jaw jutted. “What if I don’t respect the rules? Will you toss me out on my ear, as well?”

Despite the tenseness of the situation, Anna had to repress a smile. Greyley and Desford stood staring at each other, and though their coloring was vastly different, they looked astonishingly alike.

Anna cleared her throat. “Pardon me, but perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere. The children have quite a lot to do today and—”

“Miss Thraxton,” Lady Putney snapped. “Need I remind you that you are the governess. If the earl or I wish to speak to you, then—”

“Lady Putney,” Greyley growled, glaring darkly. The sunlight that poured through the nursery windows glinted on his hair and turned it hard gold. “That’s enough. I believe you should leave.”

Lady Putney drew herself up, her crimsoned mouth trembling with outrage. “Very well. But I will be watching, and if I see Miss Thraxton engaged in even one impropriety, I will not be silenced.” So saying, she turned and swept from the room.

His jaw set, Greyley turned to Anna. “I hope that harridan has not been bothering you an inordinate amount.”

“No more than usual.” Try as she would, Anna couldn’t help but wonder if there was some basis of truth in Lady Putney’s allegations. “Lord Greyley, I wish to ask you a question and I would like a direct answer, if you would.”

He regarded her for a moment, then shrugged. “Ask.”

“Do you approve of the way I’ve been instructing the children?” As soon as the question left her mouth, she wished she could call it back. But her Thraxton blood was boiling and she’d be damned if she’d let even the implication that she was unworthy continue to stand.